Canadian Coast Guard welcomes first additional large vessel on the Great Lakes in over thirty years

Press Release + Noah Note

September 10, 2026 – Prescott, ON – Department of National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard

Today, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), along with Mr. Bruce Fanjoy, Member of Parliament for Carleton, on behalf of the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, officially welcomed Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Judy LaMarsh into its fleet, the first time an additional large vessel has joined the Great Lakes region in over thirty years. Based in Prescott, Ontario, the vessel will carry out icebreaking and buoy tending operations across the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River in Ontario and Quebec.

The CCG’s Great Lakes coverage extends along the Canada-United States border, from the St. Lawrence River to the western point of Lake Superior – approximately 2,400 kilometers. With most of Canada’s population living in the Great Lakes basin, it is a top priority for the CCG to keep these waters safe and open for all who use them.

The CCGS Judy LaMarsh was purchased in 2021 and underwent conversion and refit work at Newdock St. John’s Dockyard Limited, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, from 2023 to 2025, prior to joining the CCG fleet. This work included refurbishment of the vessel’s propulsion, communication, and navigation systems, as well as upgrades to workspaces and accommodation facilities, and the installation of a new buoy crane.

The vessel is named after the Honourable Judy LaMarsh, one of the first women to serve as a federal Cabinet Minister. She was instrumental in the development of innovative federal programs, including Medicare and the Canada Pension Plan. While serving as Canada’s Secretary of State (1965-1968), the Honourable Judy LaMarsh helped to establish the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1980.

This vessel was acquired under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada’s long-term plan to renew its federal maritime fleets, revitalize Canada’s marine industry, and create sustainable jobs to maximize economic benefits across the country.

---

Quotes

“The Great Lakes are vital to Canada’s economy, our communities and our security. With the CCGS Judy LaMarsh, we are strengthening the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to keep these waters safe and open year-round. This vessel will give Coast Guard crews another important tool to deliver for Canadians across the region — from icebreaking and maintaining navigation routes to supporting safe and reliable maritime operations.”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is equipping the Canadian Coast Guard with the modern ships needed to carry out vital operations right across the country. The CCGS Judy LaMarsh is a major asset in maintaining safe and accessible waterways in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, and Atlantic Canada. Its return to service following conversion and refit work at Newdock St. John’s Dockyard Limited is a great example of how Canada is strengthening its world-class knowledge and expertise in shipbuilding, offering opportunities for Canadian shipyards, creating skilled jobs, and reinvigorating domestic supply chains.”

The Honourable Joël Lightbound
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

“The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Judy LaMarsh is an important addition to our fleet. The capable and multipurpose vessel will provide a wide range of services and bolster our year-round, essential operations across one of the busiest maritime environments in Canada, safeguarding our waters and economy, and supporting our sovereignty.”

Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard

---

Quick facts

• The CCGS Judy LaMarsh was built in Romania in 2010, where it was registered in Turkmenistan as the Mangystau-2. The vessel operated as a commercial firefighting tug on the Caspian Sea. In November 2021, the CCG announced the purchase of the light icebreaker from New Brunswick-based Atlantic Towing Limited.

• The CCGS Judy LaMarsh entered service in December 2025 and is the first large vessel to join the Great Lakes fleet in more than thirty years.

• The CCGS Judy LaMarsh is the fourth interim icebreaker the CCG has purchased, in addition to the CCGS Jean Goodwill, the CCGS Vincent Massey, and the CCGS Captain Molly Kool. These vessels were acquired to supplement the CCG’s existing fleet during vessel life extension and repair periods.

• The CCGS Judy LaMarsh is one of three large vessels on the Great Lakes, in addition to the CCGS Samuel Risley and CCGS Griffon, both of which also provide icebreaking services during the winter months.

---

Noah Note: Such a beautiful vessel. CCGS Judy LaMarsh is the former Mangystau-2, part of the Mangystau-class developed by Aker (now Railotech) for use supporting the Kashagan oil field's in the Caspian Sea. With an Ice Class IA Super rating and among the shallowest Draught for any Icebreaker on earth, the Judy LaMarsh provides the CCG with a highly-unique, first-for-us, ultra-shallow Icebreaker for the Great Lakes.

Usually, I would go over a long history here myself, but the folks at Railotech actually put out their own explainer of her and her hiatory themselves not too long ago. I won't top them, so instead I link to their piece. Hear it from the folks who designed her!